Oglethorpe County Gunman Arrested

August 25, 2015

Lexington, GA - On August 24, 2015, the GBI responded to a request for assistance from the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office regarding the investigation of an incident that began as a barricaded gunman and evolved into a vehicle pursuit where gunfire was exchanged with law enforcement.

Ryan Edgar Arnold, 23 years of age, was involved in a domestic disturbance the previous day at an Oglethorpe County residence. Oglethorpe County deputies responded to the residence and observed Arnold running away as he discharged a weapon into the air. Deputies were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence and returned on August 24, to find Arnold at the property who had barricaded himself inside. Prior to officers securing the residence, Arnold fled the scene. Oglethorpe County deputies and Georgia State troopers in the area, located Arnold in his vehicle and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, Arnold dumped a female onto the roadway and continued to flee authorities. Officers stopped and rendered aid to the female as other officers continued in the chase. The victim was alive and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. As the chase continued Arnold exchanged gunfire with law enforcement fleeing from police into a wooded area where he abandoned his vehicle. Deputies and troopers were dispatched by Oglethorpe County 911 to a nearby logging site where they encountered Arnold in a stolen truck. Another exchange of gunfire occurred at which point Arnold was arrested and taken into custody. Arnold suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. Upon Arnold's capture, a hostage was discovered alive inside the cab of the truck, suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported via Life Flight for medical treatment. The victims’ identities will not be released pending notification of next of kin. No officers were injured during the incident.

The GBI investigation is ongoing and the facts continue to evolve. The details provided are preliminary. There are more interviews and crime scene examinations to be done before the investigation is complete. A clearer picture as to what happened will take time. The GBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation and formal charges will be filed against Arnold. The completed investigation will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for further action.